Common Travel Fails for People with ADHD (and Solutions to Fix Them)

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common travel fails for those with adhd

 

Traveling with ADHD can be a thrilling adventure or a bit chaotic if you’re not prepared. The excitement and stimulation of new places and interesting spots can clash with ADHD challenges like weak working memory, emotional regulation, time blindness, and decision fatigue. Here are some real-life travel fails that often happen to people with ADHD and a few quick tips to dodge them.

1. Forgetting Important Documents

Fail: Leaving your passport or ID at home… or worse, losing it mid-trip.

Fix: Keep important documents in a brightly colored pouch and triple-check before leaving. Keep this pouch in the middle section of your carry on so you know exactly where to find this.

2. Overpacking Random Stuff, Underpacking Essentials

Fail: Ten books and no socks.

Fix: Pack by a context that works for you. That might be by category, not item—outfits, toiletries, tech, paperwork.

3. Missing Flights or Trains

Fail: Thinking you had plenty of time and realizing you don’t.

Fix: Apply time assessments backward to set a departure time for the airport or train station. Double the time that you think it takes to travel.

4. Losing Track of Reservations

Fail: Showing up at the wrong hotel—or forgetting you booked two hotels.

Fix: Consolidate your information. Use a single app or document to track every reservation (Google Docs, TripIt, or even a simple Notes app).

5. Last-Minute Panic Packing

Fail: Stuffing random things into a suitcase at 2 am and forgetting medication, chargers, or underwear.

Fix: Set your suitcase out a week ahead of time. Start a “staging area” a few days before the trip where you collect items as you remember them.

6. Underestimating How Long Tasks Take

Fail: Thinking you can pack, clean, and get to the airport in an hour. Here’s the reality of this. You can’t.

Fix: Double (or triple) your estimated time for tasks when preparing to leave.

7. Decision Fatigue Mid-Trip

Fail: Getting totally overwhelmed when you have to choose a restaurant, tour, or bus route from the many choices available.

Fix: Limit choices by having 2-3 flexible options each day so you don’t have to make too many on-the-spot decisions.

8. Forgetting to Check Local Details

Fail: Arriving in a different time zone, country, or climate totally unprepared.

Fix: Set multiple reminders to research local weather, currency, plugs, and customs before packing. Download city and tour apps to easily find information.

9. Over-scheduling and Exhaustion

Fail: Book tours, dinners, and shows back-to-back until you collapse from exhaustion.

Fix: Give yourself alternating days of well-scheduled and free time during your travel. Plan a few low-key evenings with earlier bedtimes to get sufficient rest.

10. Meltdowns Over Forgotten Items

Fail: Realizing you forgot something important and it spirals into a shame storm.

Fix: Remember that most items can be purchased that are necessities. Build “forgiveness” into your plan. You’re doing your best and you are on vacation.

 

Think about your travel as an opportunity to stretch your personal strengths and all the ways you are creating new memories no matter the glitches.

Graduation Joy: Celebrating Big and Staying Organized

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graduation celebrations organized

Graduation is one of life’s most exciting milestones. As a family, you are filled with pride and look forward to celebrating graduation. Whether it’s a high school, college, or other achievement, together you celebrate and recognize success, effort, growth, and a bright future.

However, celebrations include lots of moving parts, that being ceremonies, parties, and gifts. It is easy for the excitement to turn into overwhelm if you’re not organized. Here’s how you can fully enjoy the moment and stay organized every step of the way.

Celebrate the Joy

Take time to soak it all in for you and your graduate. That means giving yourself the opportunity to pause and reflect. Set aside some time for this early in the day so you can appreciate the meaning of the moment. You can appreciate and be grateful for your role, your graduate’s success, and the tribe of people who supported all of you.

Capture the Memories

Capture the memories but don’t let your camera or phone get in the way. Create a shared album so everyone can contribute pictures and videos. This way you can cheer on your graduate without having to film or photo each moment.

Celebrate together

Choose a celebration that means the most to you and your graduate. Whether it’s a giant party or a small family dinner, pick the celebration that feels right for everyone. Ask for help from your team to bring that celebration into reality. That could be delegating, ordering in, or any other way you can gather your team to assist in the party prep and take down. At the party, set up a simple table with photos, awards, yearbooks, and fun memorabilia to celebrate the graduate’s journey. Gather these items in the weeks ahead of time.

Give a gift with meaning

Your graduate will be receiving many thoughtful gifts. Writing a letter to your graduate many be the most meaningful way for you to share your enthusiasm. Your gift could be a reflection of your legacy such as a watch or time piece. Don’t worry about finding the perfect gift as your being a part of their celebration is what means the most.

Focus on Gratitude

Your graduate had lots of support. Thank the teachers, mentors, family, and friends who supported the journey. Handwritten cards acknowledging their roles go a long way. Include these supporters in your celebration as you feel meaningful.

Stay Organized

Create a graduation checklist that includes all the tasks for this time of year. Write down everything: cap and gown pickup, announcements, party supplies, travel logistics, thank you cards, and more. Confirm important dates, times, and details to make sure you know when and where exactly things are happening.

Use lists wisely

There are many lists you will want to keep either on paper or in an app. Keep a list of who you’re inviting to the ceremony and celebrations. As cards and gifts come in, jot down who sent what. It’ll make writing thank-you notes so much easier later.

Pack a Ceremony Kit

Graduation ceremonies are lengthy. Bring essentials like water, safety pins, tissues, bobby pins, a small snack, and backup makeup if needed. You will feel well-prepared for this event.

 

Graduation is a special celebration of growth, hard work, and dreams coming true. Be sure you have strong foundations to thrive at this especially busy time. By staying organized, you’ll give yourself the time and space to be present, enjoy the moment fully, and create memories that last forever.

 

25 Essential Tips to Get Organized, Plan and Pack for Travel

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Essential tips

 

Summer calls us to head out and travel. Travel feels most at ease when you are organized. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or week long adventure, being prepared and ready makes everything smoother and more enjoyable. Here are 25 tips to help you get organized, plan effectively, and pack smart for your next trip.

Getting Organized Before the Trip

  1. Create a master travel checklist for you and your family. List everything you usually need (passport, chargers, toiletries, technology, medicine) so you can reuse the list for each trip. Use either the Notes app or paper to capture this information. Review the list after your vacation and update for when you travel next.
  2. Start your packing early. Pull out your suitcase and leave it where you can drop in items. Review and organize at least one day before departure to avoid last-minute chaos.
  3. Organize your travel documents using a travel app or folder. Keep flight details, hotel reservations, and itinerary info in one place either digitally or printed. Share that information with those at home so they know where you are and how to contact you just in case of emergency. Double check reservations to ensure everything is all set.
  4. Check the weather forecast for the 10 day period around your travel dates. Weather apps are fairly reliable but pack an extra light weight coat and umbrella just in case.
  5. Plan a capsule wardrobe that coordinates your clothes. Instead of tossing in random clothes, plan your outfits to mix and match, as well as shoes that go with all attire. It is easiest to choose a color palette and coordinate.
  6. Organize your charging cords by device. Use a pouch to be sure all the cords are with you, both going and returning. Look for small chargers that charge multiple devices. Keep that pouch in your carry on to charge at your airplane seat or car.
  7. Coordinate your pet and home care while you are away. Make a list of tasks that include setting up out-of-office replies, watering plants, and holding mail. Contact your pet care person and share a list of responsibilities.
  8. Ensure your safety by gathering important documents, Make photocopies of your ID, passport, and insurance card, and store them separately. Carry the copies with you at all times when away in case of emergency.
  9. Update transportation apps like Uber and Lyft to be sure these are ready to use when you land.
  10. Get organized with medication organizers and a small first aid kit. Fill a 3 times a day pill organizer with all medication and supplements to keep in your carry on. In your luggage, pack a small first-aid kit that include basics like band-aids, pain relievers, and any prescription meds.
  11. Plan for oops. Keep up to date on events as you travel. Permit notifications from your airline and hotel apps just in case of emergency.

Staying organized while on your trip

  1. Use packing cubes to subdivide your clothes into manageable units. These might be packed by a set of clothes per day or the category of clothes such as swim or underwear.
  2. Designate a “landing strip” for all papers, money and keys. This way there is only one place to look for items your need.
  3. Plan for laundry with a bag and pocket size detergent. You can wash as you go or save laundry until you return.
  4. Think ahead about healthy snacks and hydration. Bring protein bars for healthy snacks. Having an easy option snack makes you feel better as travel is fatiguing. If you are in the USA, bring refillable water bottles to be eco-friendly and hydrated.
  5. Use a hanging bag for easy access for toiletries while travelling. Having a hook at the top makes it easy for you to hang it near the sink and use less counter space.
  6. Set up a dedicated tech charging area. It is easy to store and charge all devices each evening. Be sure to bring a car charger as well for day travel.
  7. Bring a foldable small lightweight tote or backpack. This makes day travel easy to organize with snacks and water. It is also handy for beach outings, daily outings or carrying souvenirs home.
  8. If you pack for your family, use quart size ziplock to organize their clothes by day or outfit. It makes it easy to tell your kiddos what to wear that day.
  9. Regroup each night by picking up your hotel or vacation rental. Your reset each evening ensures that yu are organized the next day.

Smart Last-Minute Carry On Organizing

  1. Be sure to charge all devices fully the night before travel. This way phones, tablets, and power banks are at 100% before you leave.
  2. Download entertainment ahead of time. Save podcasts, books, or movies for offline use during travel. Carry some paper magazines you have not had time to read at home.
  3. Choose comfy clothes and layers for the flight or car ride. Pack an extra pair of undies in your carry on. Wear slip on sneakers with support for walking.
  4. Organize your carry on by pocket and with small zipper cases. Have what you need easy to find. Assign inside pockets for valuables and important paper work.
  5. Make your travel time a fun part of the vacation. Arrive early at the airport to relax. Follow airline guidelines for how early to arrive and depart without stress, rather than choosing your own time. Adding in the travel time extends the fun!

A little planning makes all the difference to make your trip smooth and memorable.

 

Which is right for you? Clear vs Colored Organizing Products?

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clear vs. colored bins

Everyone agrees that when it comes to organizing your home, one of the most fun parts is choosing the right bins, baskets, and containers. There is debate about what is best, either clear or colored organizing products. It is one decision of many you will need to make in purchasing products for your space. Both have their benefits and the best choice really depends on your space, your goals, and how your brain works. Here is how to break it down so you can find the best product for your organizing style.

Benefits of Clear Organizing Products

Clear bins, drawers, and containers are the best choice for many people for several reasons.

Pros:

  • Visibility
    • Out of sight is often out of mind. You can easily see what’s inside without opening anything. It is easy to remember what you have without any effort.
    • Clear containers are often the best choice for highly visual people. That is often the case for people with ADHD.
  • Inventory at a glance
    • What you have is easily visible, so you can know what inventory you have. This can be especially helpful in pantries, craft spaces, and toy rooms where you want to quickly access an item.
    • Your clear bin defines the quantity you can keep. You know your complete inventory because you see it in the bin.
  • Easy maintenance
    • Seeing what’s in each bin may make you more likely to keep it tidy and avoid overbuying duplicates.
    • Less decluttering because you see all the items together.
    • Easy to put away the items because of seeing items in the bin.Visual learners or “out of sight, out of mind” types.

Cons: Clear bins require more effort to look neat since everything inside is visible.  It can seem visually overwhelming to see a cluttered group of items stored together.

Benefits of Colored (or Opaque) Organizing Products

Colored bins, baskets, and boxes can be both beautiful and functional.  These are best for people who don’t want to see everything all the time.

Pros:

  • Visually tidy
    • You can hide items that appear messy in the bin or are not aesthetically pleasing.
    • Adding a label on the exterior of the bins makes it easy to know what is inside.
  • Adds creativity and color
    •  These bins can match your decor or make a bold statement in your space.
    • You can use the eco-friendly bins that you have around your home.
  • Establishes categories
    • Colored bins appeal to those with ADHD since color can be associated with specific content.
    • You can apply the same color in the same way in each space, such as assigning a green laundry hamper to one kiddo and having green walls in that kiddo’s room.

Cons: Keep your containers in uniform shapes to make the best use of space. All different shapes add to the chaos in your home.

So…Which Should You Choose?

The answer can be both! You don’t have to pick only one option since many homes benefit from a mix. Use clear bins where you need visibility. These are also useful in drawers and cabinets to create order.  Use colored bins where you want to keep color coordinated. Typically, I use 3 -5 different bins throughout the home to be able to switch up organizing products as needed.  I interchange these as needed and nest them for storage. There is no one perfect, best-organizing product. Use what you love where you love it.

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Tidy and Orderly

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Keep your home orderly and tidy

Keeping your home or workspace neat can be quick and easy. A few simple habits and strategies can make all the difference for creating order, calm and clarity. Here are some friendly, low-key ways to maintain spaces without feeling like you’re always tidying up.

Be mindful of the purpose of each space

Each space in your home serves a purpose, and keeping that in mind can help keep clutter at bay. For example,  because your kitchen counter is used for food prep, serving and storage, you want to prevent it from becoming a drop zone for mail or backpacks. Bedrooms are for rest so keep work stuff in another room. When you align the items in a space with its intended use, it’s easier to notice what doesn’t belong, prevent clutter and keep it tidy.

Schedule regular decluttering

Decluttering doesn’t always mean a full day session of tossing. Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and pick one drawer to declutter. Ask yourself if that sentimental item still means as much to you or go through a stack of papers to recycle. Doing a little bit regularly can prevent that overwhelming buildup that takes more time to tackle. And remember that this amount of progress moves you forward.

Adopt the One-Minute Rule

If a task takes less than one minute, just do it now. Hang the coat, toss the junk mail, return the scissors to the drawer. These tiny actions are easy to delay, but they add up quickly. Taking care of them in real-time keeps your space naturally tidier without needing a big cleanup later. Model this for all your family to help them adopt this rule too.

Create a “home” for everything

One of the easiest ways to keep your space tidy is to make sure everything has a place to live. When an item has a designated home, it’s much easier to use, put away, and to find later.  Use baskets, bins and trays to keep countertops organized for items you use frequently and deserve to be out to see. Help everyone in your family tidy up with labels inside drawers and your pantry. Set up a system with items organized at the point of use for easy storage.

Pencil in your Sunday Reset

Your Sunday Reset is a self-care gift. Set aside 30 minutes each Sunday (or whatever day works for you) to do a reset of your home. These few small tasks get you ready for the week ahead. This could include putting things back where they belong, tossing out expired food, wiping down surfaces, and resetting shared spaces like the kitchen, living room, or entryway. This reset once a week can make the whole place not only look tidier but also feel lighter.

Staying tidy doesn’t mean your home is always picture-perfect. Life is messy and that’s okay to have the look and the feel of a “lived in home” rather than looking like a magazine cover. A few consistent, easy habits make tidying up easier to accomplish and gives you positive energy every day.

5 Best Ways to Organize Your Finances

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5 best ways to organize your finances

 

If your budget is tight and you want to know more about your spending habits, you are in good company. With digital purchases, subscriptions and instagram shopping, it’s not easy to track where you are spending. For people with ADHD, financial organizing can feel scary.  Some simple systems can help you organize your finances to be more intentional about where your money is going.

Use budgeting and money management apps

There are outstanding apps to help you learn more. Budgeting apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget), Monarch, or Quicken can automatically sync with your bank and credit cards to track where your money goes. They let you categorize purchases (like groceries, entertainment, or gas) and set limits for each. You will learn where you are spending the most and prioritize as a result. The best part is these are automated and make the process easy.

Create a digital shopping list 

Impulse spending, emotional purchases and over purchasing are budget killers. The best way to put a halt to this is with a running shopping list on a shared google sheets, your phone or a notes app. List your monthly subscriptions and evaluate the recurring time frame. As you “prep” for just in case before the hurricane season, review your items monthly and rotate your stock quarterly.

There are many strategies to pause purchases with a digital shopping list. You can divide the list into “Needs” and “Wants” to help you stay intentional and avoid buying things you don’t really need. You can add items to your Wish List to keep for later. This helps you avoid duplicate purchases and buyer’s remorse.

 

Use your power with Amazon

Amazon purchases can really pile up fast, especially with subscriptions, gifts, and those “just one more thing” buys. There are practical ways to organize and analyze your Amazon purchases so you stay on top of your spending and get the most out of every dollar:

Amazon actually lets you download a spreadsheet of your entire order history. Here’s how:

  • Go to Accounts & Lists > Your Account

  • Click “Order History Reports”

  • Choose the report type (items, refunds, returns, etc.)

  • Select a date range

  • Download as a CSV file

You can open this in Excel or Google Sheets to sort, categorize, and total your purchases. Match this with your credit card statement to be sure you are being charged properly. Save money with Amazon returns with a designated weekly errand run for returns. This is especially helpful for a business and also at tax time!

Set up automatic reminders for recurring purchases and subscriptions. 

Forgotten subscriptions and entertainment purchases can add extra expenses. Use your phone calendar, app alerts, or email reminders to remind you about recurring payment and the costs, such as streaming services, memberships, or auto-refills. Make a list of these costs to evaluate the ongoing need for each. This gives you time to cancel or adjust them before you’re charged.

Set a monthly review of your and your family purchases with your partner

Families spend less when they each know what they are spending. Once a month, set aside 30 minutes to review your spending. You can use Google sheets or create reports from your apps to know where you are spending each month. Set up a comparison to look month to month. Look at what categories are over or under budget. Together, ask yourselves:

  • Did I buy what I actually needed?

  • What can I cut back next month?

  • Is there a pattern in my spending?

Our family also has created Standard Operating Procedures for purchases. If a purchase is over $100 (which almost any purchase is) we confer on whether to purchase. This is not about being giving permission to purchase but rather a conversation about our overall purchasing strategy.

 

If you have felt the pinch of how expensive everything is, it is time to choose a system that will help you track how you are spending your money. Financial organizing in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, a few good habits, and a mindset of intentional spending, you can feel confident and in control about every dollar you spend.

25 Tips for Spring Organizing: Refresh Your Space for the Season

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25 tips for spring organizing

 

Spring is the perfect time to declutter, organize, and refresh your space. As the weather warms up, your energy soars to tidy up your home and simplify your life. It is time to let go of stuff and refresh your space for the season. You can best manage your organizing by focusing on areas of organization, such as decluttering by room, thinking about smart storage, and creating a schedule for routines and maintenance. Here are 25 tips to help you get started on your spring organizing journey.

Declutter First

The first step in any organizing project is to declutter.

  1. Start Small.  This is always the best way to start your organizing, regardless of the season. It is also the best way to manage stress. Choose one drawer or shelf to organize before tackling larger spaces. Set a timer for 15 minutes and get going.
  2. Use the 12-Month Rule. Decision making is easier if you have a “rule” to follow about what to keep and how long to keep it. If you haven’t used it in a year, donate or discard it.
  3. Gather items together by category to see what you have. As visual people, that makes it easier to make a decision. Declutter by Category. Sort through clothes, books, kitchen gadgets, and papers separately.
  4. Be proactive about what you bring into your space. As you declutter, make an inventory of what you have. When you know what you have and where it is located, you prevent overshopping.
  5. Check out this record retention schedule for paper work. Too often paper clutter builds up because we need to know how long to keep that information. Be brutal about paperwork from the winter, shred and recycle what you don’t need.

Organize Your Home Room-by-Room

Know what each space is used for and keep your stuff where it is used most. Take the time for a reset of the most frequently used spaces in your home.

  1. Do a landing strip makeover. Empty bags that have collected, move returns along, and get jackets back to closets. Freshening up this space gives you energy as you enter your home.
  2. Refresh your pantry. Spring and summer are the best times for fresh vegetables. Dispose of expired food, organize pantry items, and use clear containers to organize for easy visibility.
  3. Cut the closet clutter. Donate unworn winter attire, rotate seasonal clothing, and use slim hangers to save space.
  4. Make a medicine cabinet overhaul. Toss expired toiletries, arrange daily essentials on the countertop, and update cabinet bins.
  5. Review your nightstand storage. Throw out trash, move books, and refresh your hand cream next to your bed. Review where you charge your devices and move these to a common charging space in the kitchen.

Smart Storage Solutions

Storage solutions can make your space more functional. Review what is not working and how you can improve access and function in your home.

  1. Take a look at your use of vertical space.  See where you can install shelves, hooks, and wall-mounted organizers to maximize storage.
  2. Label for function. Use a label maker, which makes it easier for people to put things away, like the pantry or dresser. Choose a label maker you love, or choose labels purchased by sets on Amazon.
  3. A basket can make a difference. Choose a simple solution like this to store baskets, toys, or magazines stylishly.
  4. Even a small space can be improved with drawer dividers. See where you can subdivide a small space with an organizer to keep it tidy.
  5. If you have a “black hole” under stair storage, choose functional organizers to make this area more accessible. You can add tiered shelving or large stackable totes with labels to store large items in an organized way.

Bring in a team

No one wants to work alone. There are so many ways to work as a team and add help.

  1. Mobilize the family to help with organizing. Set a timer and add an incentive like an ice cream sundae party at the conclusion of your work.
  2. If house cleaning is a constant struggle, ask friends and neighbors who are also on their cleaning team. A once a month cleaning can be an affordable addition if you budget for it.
  3. Automate your meal prep with the addition of curbside pick up or auto ship.
  4. Set up apps on your devices for spring organizing and cleaning lists. You don’t have to reinvent anything when you add a recurring event.
  5. Refresh your connections by sending a card for Passover, Easter or just because. Look in the stock you have at home, pick up your cards from the grocery store or purchase on Amazon. Sit in the sunshine in your yard and write out a few cards at a time. Receiving a card in the mail is a wonderful and thoughtful gift.

Maintain Your Progress

You have come so far! Keep it up with a maintenance plan.

  1. Set up your Sunday reset to ensure you keep your home tidy. With your family, spend 30 minutes each Sunday putting things away.
  2. Set monthly organizing goals to keep your home clutter-free. If you work one hour, once a month, in one area, you keep clutter from creeping back.
  3. Implement a family cleaning schedule with assignments for trash, refrigerator clean out, and other routine tasks.
  4. Be proactive about what you bring into your home. Now that you have started your Spring organizing, you see what you did not need. Take that perspective to the next level as you shop.
  5. Celebrate Your Success! Reward yourself for achieving organizing milestones!

 

Spring organizing can be easy to accomplish by breaking these steps into manageable time slots throughout April.  Keep it simple by setting a time to work with a timer. Make it fun with music. By taking small, manageable steps and implementing practical storage solutions, you can create a tidy and refreshing home environment. Happy organizing!

How to Create a Decluttering Schedule

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how to create a decluttering schedule

 

Our busy lives leave little time to declutter. The secret to getting and staying organized in decluttering on a regular basis. What does that look like? Perhaps it is time for a decluttering schedule. Here is how to create your customized schedule.

 

How do you know if you need a schedule?

The first big tip if you need a schedule is if no decluttering happens at your home. Much more comes in thanks to Amazon and other purchases than is removed. Maybe you don’t realize how little is leaving until you are overwhelmed by the clutter in your home. You might resist the idea of a schedule. Start with some small additions to your calendar with some flexibility. Adding a short burst of decluttering at a high energy time makes it easier to get this done. If you schedule monthly decluttering, for an hour, written in your calendar, you will begin to declutter with less effort.

 

Why does a schedule work?

Having a decluttering schedule adds consistency and accountability to your decluttering goals. With this schedule, your clutter will not accumulate to an overwhelming level. When you have set times and dates to declutter, you will fulfill your plan by simply following your calendar. The energy used for your schedule also gives you energy to spontaneously declutter. You realize when items have served their purpose, are ready to go because you have empowered your sense of decluttering.

 

How do you set up your decluttering schedule?

There are many ways to effectively schedule decluttering.

  • Use your existing routine to set up your schedule. Learn this by knowing your habits and what works for you. If you are a morning person, declutter in the morning. When you go to the grocery store, declutter the refrigerator first to add space for new products.
  • Set a schedule for decluttering on a routine basis, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.  Daily decluttering might be your bag or purse. Weekly decluttering could be trash in all spaces, which coincides with weekly trash pick up.
  • Make a list of areas to declutter and set one hour once a week to work in micro-steps in those spaces. Write that time on your calendar and the location of your efforts.
  • Seasonal decluttering can focus on family events. Declutter before each birthday and holiday.
  • Whatever your schedule, commit to it by writing it down and making a list. Seeing your work helps you keep to your schedule.
  • Pair a schedule with a strategy. You might choose the Konmari method or a Decluttering Challenge.  

Pro tips for successful decluttering

Decluttering is hard even with a schedule. Remember to set criteria for what is going to leave that helps remove the emotional or financial attachment to your stuff. Criteria should be clear and specific. You may need to bring in help such as a family member or professional organizer to create a little emphasis on your criteria. If you find yourself struggling over items, put those aside and work with the easiest decisions first. It is easiest to delete by category, so be sure to group together similar items to decide on what to keep.

 

A decluttering schedule might be what you need to ensure you are successful!

 

 

25 Strategies for Time Management for those with ADHD

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25 strategies for time management with adhd

 

Time management is just one of the Executive Function challenges of those with ADHD. With that comes a lack of time awareness and the effect of time blindness. Being on time for a meeting, meeting deadlines, and juggling priorities feels overwhelming at times. There are practical strategies that can make a difference.

1. Use Visual Timers and Analog Clocks

Use external tools that make it easier to “see” time. Leverage timers or countdown clocks to stay aware of time passing. Post analog clocks in places that will help you move forward with work and movement. The best places for an analog clock are easily in sight at you sit at your desk or in spaces that have no window.

2. Break Tasks into Small Steps

It is common for work to feel overwhelming when it is not broken into smaller sections. Chunk larger projects into manageable tasks to avoid overwhelm. For instance, to prepare your taxes, you an create tasks such as gather documents, list income, list medical expences, list other deductions, list estimated tax payments and so forth. Each step gets you closer to the completed project.

3. Prioritize Using a Top-Three List

Prevent being overwhelmed by the length of your list. Choose the three Most Important Tasks (MITs) to focus on each day. Write that list where you can see it all day long to keep on track.

4. Set Specific Time Blocks

Use time blocking to dedicate certain hours to specific activities. A time block can be of a duration that gives you optimal focus time. When blocks are too frequent it creates paralysis. Aim for a duration that you work best.

5. Create a Daily Routine

Your daily routine is how you start the day, end the day, and start your work day. Create a checklist that helps you stay on track. The checklist helps you stay true to your plan. Consistency helps reduce decision fatigue and improves focus.

6. Use Alarms and Reminders

Alarms help us break through hyperfocus. Set multiple alarms for appointments, breaks, or task transitions. Remember to give yourself plenty of transition time to adhere to your schedule.

7. Adopt a Hybrid Calendar

There is no one perfect calendar. Your phone is with you all the time. You get online invitations to keep on your digital calendar. At the same time, you crave seeing the calendar and writing stuff down. The best way to calendar is with a hybrid combination that integrates a shared or personal calendar for scheduling.

8. Time Tasks with Double and Triple Time Estimates

Since time awareness is not a strength, it is difficult to estimate how long tasks take. Give yourself ample time to work by doubling and tripling the amount of time given to any task or project. You will feel that you can do your best work this way.  Start any task or project as early as possible to give yourself this time allocation.

9. Start with a Brain Dump

A cluttered mind makes it hard to get stuff done. Write down all tasks cluttering your mind before organizing them. Remember this long list will be prioritized and streamlined. Having a list frees up mental space to be available for real work. Choose a way to make your brain dump manageable by arranging it by category or urgency. Take the next step wth a daily and weekly list.

10. Set Boundaries for Distractions

There are so many distractions in our lives. Eliminate or limit distractions by silencing notifications or creating a focused workspace. Set a boundary for sleep and rest with charging your devices in a common charging space, not in your bedroom. Your boundaries will help you feel more productive and better rested.

11. Follow the Two-Minute Rule

It is hard to come back to a task. If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.

12. Practice Time Blocking with Breaks

Mental capacity is improved with breaks. Schedule short breaks between work sessions to reset focus. Take a walk, hydrate or text a friend to take a break and clear your mind.

13. Designate a “Landing Zone”

Looking for lost items is frustrating and time-consuming. Create a specific area for essentials like keys, wallet, or phone to save time searching. You will feel better as you start and end your day knowing where your essentials are at all times.

14. Use Color-Coding

Color can help you categorize your day. Color-code your calendar or to-do list to visually differentiate tasks such as starting the day, deep dive work, and break time. Seeing each segment helps you adhere to your plan. You can also color code your family activities on your calendar by person, activity or task.

15. Start with the Easiest Task

It feels good to accomplish a bit quickly and easily. Build momentum by checking off simple tasks first. Keep a list of quick tasks to get done to feel energized.

16. Practice Body Doubling

The science behind body doubling is that working parallel lends energy to both workers. Work alongside a friend or coworker to stay on track. You will be amazed at the results.

17. Set a “Done-for-the-Day” Time

Because time is blurry, overworking and undefined end times for work contribute to feeling drained. Define when to stop working to have time for self-care and fun. That time should be the same every day. If you decide to work longer one day, make it the same day every week.

18. Use Post-It Notes for Key Reminders

Post-it notes make everything easy to see. Place visual reminders where you’ll see them. Edit your notes once a week for clarity and to reset your goals. A favorite post-it note of mine is the 4 by 6 size with lines.

19. Batch Similar Tasks Together

Batching works well in many situations. Rather than return a single call or make a single appointment, group similar or repetitive tasks to save time and gain momentum.

20. Avoid Multitasking

Research shows that you lose time and efficiency when you multi-task. Allow yourself to do your best. Focus on one task at a time to reduce errors and stay efficient. If you are distracted by multiple tasks, write a quick list on a Post-it note to clear your mind.

21. Embrace the Power of Deadlines

Deadlines always make things happen. Set specific, short-term deadlines to create small steps for a tasks with specific outcomes. It is easier to accomplish a long term deadline with smaller chunks of deadlines.

22. Create a Reward System

Small rewards are often a key motivator. That can be a punch card with 5-10 punches for a reward. Or it can be a jar with small rewards listed by you that you reward after you accomplish particularly unmotivating tasks.

23. Declutter Your Workspace Regularly

A cluttered workspace is highly distracting. Keep your space organized to minimize visual distractions by having a weekly reset. Clear cups, toss trash and move items back to their homes to gain clarity.

24. Leverage ADHD-Friendly Apps

Many apps leverage your strengths. Choose to learn and use apps like Todoist, Notion, or Trello for tracking and planning. Each has many ways that can enhance reminders, calendars, and overall project success.

25. Practice Self-Care

The most important productivity tip is to practice self-care which includes high-protein meals, 8 hours of rest in bed, some walking outside, and hydration. Self-care is also the most difficult to accomplish. Set yourself up for success by taking time to take care of yourself.

 

Choose one of these strategies to implement and see the difference!

Unlocking the Power of Keystone Habits

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keystone habits

 

Each of us has daily habits we rely on. That could be making our bed every day, drinking 8 glasses of water, or even falling asleep with the TV on or hitting snooze too many times. Certain habits have a bigger impact and have a ripple effect that influences many areas of life. These powerful habits are called keystone habits, and they act as the foundation for organizing, productivity, and overall well-being.

What Are Keystone Habits?

Keystone habits are routines or behaviors that trigger positive changes in multiple areas of your life. Just like dominoes, the natural impact of one habit hits another habit. When you establish one, it naturally encourages other good habits to fall into place. Keystone habits create a structure for your life, which helps you make better choices without overthinking them. Habits fall more naturally into place. Keystone habits set off a chain reaction of positive change. Try thinking about one of these six powerful keystone habits this week.

 

Quality Sleep

Getting a good night’s rest is a keystone habit that impacts every part of your life. Restful sleep leads to better brain function, better decision-making, and increase energy. That energy helps you perform better throughout the day and stay with all your other good habits.  Start this keystone habit by preparing for bed extra early. Get ready well ahead of your planned bedtime and set aside all devices for an hour.

 

Regular Exercise

Exercise is a game-changer when it comes to keystone habits. Exercise boosts your mood, increases energy levels, improves focus, and enhances self-discipline. Get started with a daily walk, try online yoga, park farther away, or take the stairs. Use your smartwatch to help you remember your new keystone habit.

 

Daily Planning

The simple habit of writing things down can lead to significant benefits. Writing stuff down can be done either by using a planner or journaling every day. Using a planner helps you stay organized, reduces anxiety, and improves time management. Journaling is a type of self-care that encourages self-reflection, gratitude, and mindfulness. Both habits create structure and clarity in your day. Start small by choosing a simple planner or journal that is both pretty and functional. Place it in a spot where it will be used daily. Choose writing implements that feel good in your hand. Choose a time of day that works with capturing your ideas and thoughts.

 

Meal planning

The way you eat and what you eat affects everything, from your energy levels to your mood and productivity. Mindful impacts awareness and intentionality in every part of your day. Especially important is including protein in your meal plan. Get started in a small way by making a list of foods that will be easy to prepare and what you love to eat. Start meal planning slowly by purchasing healthy boxed meals that are quick to prepare. Choose fruits and veggies that are pre-cut in the grocery store as snacks to carry with you. Partner with your family in meal planning and preparation.

 

Connection

Strong relationships reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve resilience. Prioritizing quality time with loved ones fosters a sense of belonging and emotional security. A quick text can make a big difference. Social support makes it easier to maintain routines such as exercising and healthy eating. Make this a keystone habit by setting time for family dinner, joining a pilates or yoga class, or sending a handwritten card.

 

Daily learning

Making daily learning a keystone habit helps us expand our knowledge and creativity. Perhaps you have gotten bored with all the routines. By encouraging curiosity and problem-solving, you are boosting your clarity and cognitive abilities. Daily learning can start with reading a new blog, listening to a podcast, or writing in your journal.

You don’t have to start every keystone habit or overhaul all you do. Start with just one habit and see how it leads to other positive changes. When you focus on building strong foundational routines, everything else begins to fall into place effortlessly. Which keystone habit will you start with today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your journey to a more productive and fulfilling life!